Chocolate Standard Poodle going grey

Question
I have a 7 month old chocolate Standard Poodle whom my husband shaved down. As her hair has been growing back she started to get a grey area on her tail and then we've noticed more and more along her back and some on her legs too. What could be causing all this grey hair? Is it an "under coat" showing? If so, why is just coming out as her hair is growing back?
Thanks!

Answer

My Riot Hello Denise,
Chances are that your "Brown" poodle is really a Blue instead.  Blue puppies start out Black but have brown highlights in their coat.  Once the brown is shaved off, it doesn't come back and the dog will fade to a Blue color.  The blue can range from almost black to a dark Silver color, sometimes with lighter legs, ears, and tail.  It usually takes up to 2 years for the Blue color to totally clear.  You can see a description and a picture of a Blue vs Black/Brown/Silver at this website:  http://www.le-poodles-guide.com/poodle-colors.html

Blue is a fading color derived from Black and has the genes for all the colors.  If you breed a Blue colored dog to any other color, it will throw Blue and the color it was bred to.  
I have a Blue at home and I love his color.  If you want to send me a picture of your dog, I will be better able to tell you what color I think she is.  My Blue boy "Riot" (believe me, his name fits him to a T) is pictured here.  You can see the brown on his rear half.  This picture was taken when he was about 6 months old.  He is now a little lighter with silver face and legs.  My e-mail is MsTopkdog@yahoo.com

Thanks for using AllExperts.com, and if you have other questions/comments/concerns, please feel free to ask me.
Kim
Riot Pictures 012_edited.jpg